Different Drummers - Nonconforming Thinkers in History

Different Drummers: Nonconforming Thinkers in History is a set of professionally developed instructional materials that will complement current approaches for teaching about religion in the public schools. The materials promote academic objectivity and balance in such endeavors by focusing on the topic of free and independent thought in historical context. The varied teaching and learning materials in the Different Drummers supplemental module acquaint teachers and students with aspects of unconventional and unorthodox thinking and with some of the important "different drummers" of prior times. With respect to worldviews, Different Drummers materials speak to such relevant concepts as discrimination, autonomy, plurality, freedom of conscience, and societal change.

These materials, designed and authored for intended use in middle grades history/social science programs, were produced in a two-year curriculum development project in California. The lessons and activities have been teacher reviewed, classroom tested, and then revised on the basis of pilot testing with students. The module has been approved for legal compliance with respect to social content by the California State Department of Education. The content review was conducted by Dr. Gerald Larue, Emeritus Professor of Biblical History and Archaeology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

About the Authors

Drs. Futrell and Geisert are instructional developers. Both have advanced degrees in
curriculum and instruction and broad backgrounds in the design, development, and
implementation of learning systems. Included in their accomplishments are two texts in the field of using computers to teach, being proprietors of a computer training center in Sacramento California, the design and production of newsletters in the field of alcohol and drug prevention and rehabilitation, and other projects, especially the development of instructional materials.